Having a staunch anti-irresponsible mining advocate as an incoming environment secretary, Mines and Geosciences Bureau in Central Visayas (MGB-7) vows to be more stringent in the implementation of the mining laws.

During the Stakeholder’s Forum on Responsible Mining on June 23, 2016 at Apo Cemex plant in Tinaan, Naga City, South of Cebu, Mr. Al Emil Berador, Geosciences Division Chief, highlighted the importance of partnering with large scale mining companies in the environment stewardship while ensuring that laws are being followed.

“We hope that they continue to partner with us to protect the environment,” he said.

Chito Manlago, director of Cemex Philippines Foundation assured that the company’s environmental programs and technologies are at par with the global standards for the environment, health and safety of the workers and the community. He also said that the company is looking forward to a positive partnership with the environment department especially under the leadership of incoming Secretary Gina Lopez.

Cemex is one of the top cement producers that engages in limestone and pozzolan quarrying within the 192-hectare property in Naga that stretches in the barangays of Tina-an, Inoburan and Langtad.

More than a hundred employees from MGB-7, Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR-7), and Environmental Management Bureau (EMB-7) joined the forum that was followed by a facilitated mine and plant tour at the Apo Cement Plant.

After the tour, the employees planted Narra seedlings in one of the rehabilitation sites of the mining company.

The event is part of the activities that were lined up for the Environment Month 2016.